Up to 60 stalls expected at Moate Christmas Market
A new busking competition along the streets of Moate to coincide with the fourth annual Christmas Market in early December will add to the festive atmosphere in the town, organisers believe.
With a prize fund of €250 kindly sponsored by Supermac's, Moate, organisers are calling on musicians, singers and performers to get in touch via Facebook, or the numbers below, to get involved and be part of what is now a great local day out on Sunday, December 3, running from 2pm to 7pm.
The final booking for stallholders is Friday, November 24. For more information and an application form, check the Moate Christmas Market Facebook page or call Frank 086 3268325, Annette 087 2393548 or Joe 9824082.
Up to 60 fully-lit stalls are expected to line the streets of the town with the best of arts and crafts, home baking, jewellery and festive gifts on offer to attendees.
In a break with other years, the stalls will be more spread out going right from the top to the bottom of the town, to allow patrons to enjoy a wander around in a more relaxed atmosphere, enjoy a bite to eat or a mulled wine as they tick off items on their Christmas present list along the way.
A new addition this year is a busking competition running from 2pm to 5pm, which organisers say is already getting a lot of interest and is sure to add to the colour and festive atmosphere on the day.
For the little ones, there's plenty of children's entertainment, face painting and, of course, a visit to Santa's Grotto for that perfect Christmas photo.
Many local families organise a festive get together to coincide with the market, organisers explain, as it promises to be a great day out for all ages and a great opportunity to support local businesses and producers this Christmas at the same time.
The Christmas lights will be switched on the day to add to the Christmassy atmosphere along with a number of Christmas trees illuminated in various locations around the town.
There will be plenty of parking in Moate to ensure your day out is as hassle free as possible. Moate Community Centre, Moate Business College and the Carmelite will all have car spaces on the da for those going to the market.
"It's going very well. It's going to be a very enjoyable, relaxed day with the busking and a great festive atmosphere," according to Frank Murphy from the Moate Christmas Market committee, who said the market takes place a week earlier than other years to avoid a clash with other local events.
He had a special thanks for Westmeath County Council for their event grant which helps with the staging of the market.
Moate Christmas Market concludes with music on the steps of the old courthouse, now Moate Library, from 5pm to 7pm, and maybe even a carol or two!